Going On

Today a friend of mine joined us in the 70’s club.  There are a number of us who made the jump this year and it’s been fun through the years to joke with and give thanks together for God’s goodness in our decades.

These verses from the Psalms speak to this faithful love and goodness of God that any person can experience daily and over time.

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you!

My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long. And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.  Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

Psalm 71:5-9

I am so thankful that I was raised in a Christian home and taught values from before I can remember.  I’m grateful I had my mom as a wonderful example until just a couple of years ago.

I’m also grateful that even though I gave up on life in my teens and early adult days, God saw a future for me that I didn’t and as these verses say, God has made my life an example because of His strength and protection.

I really did reflect on the unexpected life of blessing and ministry I’ve had for a number of years, first in Taiwan, and then the last 30 years here in Vancouver.

And so my encouragement and challenge to all of us today is to take a moment and remember how God has been generous and faithful through however many decades you’ve had on this earth.  Once again, let’s affirm our trust in God to take us to the end of our days.

Loving Heavenly Father, what a good God you are to us through the ups and downs of life – some caused by circumstance and some by our own mistakes and sins.  Our hope truly is in You and how You give us strength over and over again, correct our path when we go sideways, and in it all, walk in loving companionship with us. 

On this day we want to join King David in this Psalm and say:

Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God? I will praise you with music on the harp, because you are faithful to your promises, O my God.  I will shout for joy and sing your praises, for you have ransomed me. I will tell about your righteous deeds all day long,

Psalm 71:19, 22-24a 

So, whether you are in you teens or your 90’s please know that if you put your hope in God, you will not ever be disappointed.